Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 126
126
There were also questions raised as to the effectiveness of sanctions in encouraging claimants to...
Conclusion
There were also questions raised as to the effectiveness of sanctions in encouraging claimants to find work. The Poverty Alliance said that ‘sanctions are both ineffective in their stated purpose of encouraging entry into employment and act only to exacerbate poverty and income crisis.’318 Marion Davis of One Parent Families Scotland called for a more positive approach than the current system of sanctions for claimants who fail to meet their claimant commitment. They reasoned that parents are ‘desperate to and aspire to do things for their children’319 when they are looking for work to help to support their families and, when on Universal Credit, ‘do not need to be told they are going to get their benefit cut’.320 Instead they presented a picture that claimants ‘want to be part of society, to be part of the economy’321 and so the welfare system should foster a more ‘positive model, [where] they are supported to move into work.’322
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Work Coaches will continue to work with claimants to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable for claimants’ circumstances and allow them to continue to adhere to the Covid-19 public health advice in force in the relevant part of the UK. DWP will continue to encourage claimants to prepare and look for work. Employers are obliged to have a safe working environment. Where a claimant has failed to meet their requirements, DWP will look at any evidence of good reason, including whether they are self-isolating or have ad-hoc responsibilities due to Covid-19, when considering if a sanction is warranted. A claimant can request an explanation of a sanction at any time. If a claimant disagrees with a decision, they can ask for the decision to be reconsidered and subsequently can appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal. Those who are sanctioned can apply for hardship payments to ensure they can cover their essential needs.